Reaming 308 win barrel to 30-06 AI
I have recently gotten into the Savage 110 style rifles and the barrels are super easy to re-chamber. I have an interest in creating a 30-06 ackley improved. Now I understand that if I started with a 30-06 barrel I would want to set it back a thread and rechamber but since I have no lathe but I do have access to a reamer I think a 308 Win barrel would be the answer. Now for the question. I looked at the cartridge specs and the case length is the same but I have been told the 30-06 AI chamber is shorter than a standard 30-06. Normally with the Savages I will ream the barrel off the gun using a case as a guide then headspace and tweak the chamber on the gun. But all I have is the Springfield case a Ackley go Guage and a Springfield Go gauge that becomes the no go for the ackley right. So do I still use the springfield case as a guide and just ream a tad short and then tweak on the gun? Just want to make sure I am doing this right as this will be my first AI ream.
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Well, the 308 action may be too short for the AI even if the OAL is shorter than a '06. 12mm (7.62x51 vs x63) is a lot ...
If you already have a long length action then I'd say use an '06 barrel and do it right...0 -
rigelb79,
Am I to understand that you think that you can HAND REAM an existing chamber 1/2" deeper and still expect to be able to hold concentricity and the proper chamber dimensions?
Hand reaming a couple of thousandths (0.002") might be acceptable for some folks but 1/2" is not.
Cutting a chamber, whether AI or standard is a product of a precision set up in a lathe not something cobbled on in a vise with a tap handle.
I suggest that you reconsider and realize your limits. If you choose to ignore this suggestion, please have as much fun as you possibly can. But if you chose to test fire this abomination, make sure your insurance is paid up.
Best.
ADDED:
I went back and checked on some of your other posts only to find that you have asked similar questions previously in both September and December of last year. In both instances, I gave you the same advice, don't attempt this.
If you are intent on creating chambers in barrels, do yourself a favor and buy a lathe so you can learn to do this correctly. Otherwise, leave this process to those that know how to do it properly and safely.
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Or perhaps just give it to a pro who has the right tools. Thanks for the input and that is what I will do. 0 -
rigelb79,
Excellent decision!
Good Luck with your project.
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Thanks for the input. I forgot to respond to iwannausername's post it is a long action so cartrdge length will not be an issue. As for previous posts I am still learning so occasionally I ask a dumb ? I am saving for a lathe so I will in the future be able to do things the right way myself. Of course with the economy the way it is the lathe will have to wait till after I find a job! 0 -
rigelb79,
Learning is half the fun. Doing is the other half.
Job first, lathe second.
Be aware that this type of downturn in the economy can work in your favor also. There is a large supply of machines and tooling available currently, at decent if not downright reasonable prices. Dealers as well as individuals are usually open to some negotiations, too. Inventory has to move so sometimes it actually pays to make offers instead of just accepting a listed price.
Good Luck with both the job hunt and the hunt for a lathe.
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also, just to note with the Savage action only you could use a standard .30/06 barrel as the heaspace is set with the barrel nut, not butting the barrel against a shoulder. when doing an Ackley chamber I finish the chamber to just barely close on a standard (with pressure) 'go' gauge. 0
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